Toner

Term from Beauty Services industry explained for recruiters

Toner is a key product and process in hair coloring and care services. It's a specialized treatment that hairstylists use to adjust or correct hair color, particularly in blonde or lightened hair. Think of it like a color-correcting step that removes unwanted warm tones (like brassy orange or yellow) and adds desired cool tones (like ash or pearl). It's different from hair dye because it's more subtle and is often used as a finishing step after bleaching or highlighting. When you see this term in resumes, it usually indicates experience with color correction and blonde hair specialization.

Examples in Resumes

Expert in using Toner to achieve perfect blonde results

Specialized in color correction using Toners and Toning techniques

Advanced training in Hair Toner application and custom Toner mixing

Typical job title: "Hair Colorists"

Also try searching for:

Hair Colorist Color Specialist Hair Color Technician Hair Stylist Beauty Technician Color Correction Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine which toner to use for different hair situations?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should explain their consultation process, how they assess natural hair color, previous treatments, and desired outcome. They should mention color theory and how they choose toners based on the current hair color and desired result.

Q: How do you handle a color correction that requires multiple toning sessions?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of creating treatment plans, managing client expectations, explaining the process and timeline, and maintaining hair health throughout multiple sessions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the most common toning problems you've encountered and how did you solve them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common issues like uneven toning, too ashy results, or toner fading quickly, and explain their solutions including product selection and application techniques.

Q: How do you explain the toning process to clients?

Expected Answer: Should show ability to communicate technical processes in simple terms, explain timing and expectations, and demonstrate knowledge of aftercare advice.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between permanent color and toner?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that toner is typically a demi-permanent color used to adjust tone rather than completely change color, and discuss basic application differences.

Q: How do you perform a patch test before toning?

Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of patch testing, the proper procedure for conducting it, and the waiting time required before full application.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic toner application
  • Understanding color wheel
  • Product knowledge
  • Basic consultation skills

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Custom toner mixing
  • Color correction
  • Advanced application techniques
  • Client communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex color correction
  • Training others
  • Advanced color theory
  • Problem-solving difficult cases

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of color theory
  • Unable to explain toning process to clients
  • No experience with different hair types
  • Lack of safety and patch testing knowledge